HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - It’s back to business after cleanup efforts on the coast of Hollywood have begun after Hurricane Nicole made landfall to the north of the city.
Although South Florida was not anywhere near the worse of the storm, many areas along the beach in Broward and Miami-Dade County were damaged due to the high surf, heavy rain and strong winds.
On Friday morning, bulldozers were seen throughout the beach getting sand back onto the beach and leveling out the sand, so visitors and residents can continue to enjoy the tropical weather.
The Hollywood Broadwalk was filled with people engaging in their everyday routines one day after Nicole passed through Florida’s east coast.
The sidewalk was underwater, just a few days ago, but workers quickly fixed up the beach for all to enjoy.
In Miami Beach, crews were seen pulling a lifeguard post away from the water as beach erosion caused the structure to move closer to the sea.
However, people are ready to enjoy the beach once again.
“It was fabulous. Things are nice and clean. Restrooms are open and people are here having a wonderful time,” said a local woman.
Beach erosion seemed to be the biggest problem throughout the coastal areas.
The surging waves managed to push seawater onto main roads, even in South Florida.
“I can’t believe that [the hurricane] did this overnight,” said Chris, a Hollywood resident.
People who lived near Surf Road and Walnut Street could not see part of their street or their driveway because it was covered in sand.
“We had rain bands Tuesday night,” said Carmen Zayas-Bazan, a Hollywood resident. “The sand started coming off the beach into the street, and then all of Wednesday it happened, and then Wednesday night it really happened.”
7Skyforce flew above a home where the storm washed away the sand underneath its foundation.
The combination of storm surge and king tides even moved a 50-foot boat to shore in Pompano Beach yards away from the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse.
Debris and sand were also found in coastal neighborhoods in the aftermath of the storm.
“Considering what other cities further north of us had to encounter, we’re fine, we’re good,” said one woman.
Workers said the cleanup and leveling of the sand will take at least a few more days.
Now, joggers are back, beach goers are back, and as night falls, that beached yacht in Pompano Beach remains where it landed, just another curiosity for vacationers experiencing their first hurricane.
“A big boat,” said tourist Stephanie Schramm. “We weren’t sure what was going on.”
As for whether she had concerns about the storm’s effects on her vacation, she said, “We just prayed and got sunshine and rainbows.”
Removing the boat is expected to take some time, as it requires a delicate process.
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